Mythical Animals in Indian Art

About Mythical Animals in Indian Art

This book, entitled Mythical Animals in Indian Art, is the outcome of a comprehensive study of the kaleidoscopic variety of mythical animals known from the 2nd century BC to the 6th-7th centuries AD. This fascinating study is the first of its kind and offers an authentic account of such animals, ihamrigas, in ancient India. Mythical creatures categorized under three heads-aerials, terrestrial and aquatic depending on their locomotion and habitat, form and subject matter of this study. The indigenous traits and foreign impact reflected in the animals are ably visualized. To achieve this end, the sculptures of Barhut, Sanchi, Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda and Mathura, and the murals of Ajanta, supplemented by literary data, have been brought within the compass of the study. Written in a simple and lucid style, this book about ihamrigas is sure to become a standard indological text. Its fascination lies in the intense cultural interest the subject inevitably generates.